Chapter 25 Enthusiasm
The Li Family... Eldest Son?
Zhai Yiming furrowed his brows, rapidly reviewing in his mind all the classmates at the State School with the surname Li.
Who? Who possessed the qualifications to make so many important figures condescend to visit? They hadn’t even sent their servants but had personally come, carrying invitation cards, to find someone at the State School.
Zhai Yiming thought of several names but was still at a loss. He stepped forward and clasped his hands in greeting to the Rice Shop Association President, whom he had met at a family banquet just a few days prior. "Zheng Huisou," he began, "you’re here for..."
"Oh, it’s Yiming." Zheng Huisou, the Rice Shop Association President, also recognized Zhai Yiming of the Zhai Family. He nodded and said casually, "Is the Li Family’s eldest son from your class in the State School right now? Please inform him for us."
"I’m afraid I’m a bit slow," Zhai Yiming said. "There are over a dozen classmates with the surname Li in the State School. May I ask, Zheng Huisou, which one are you looking for?"
"Li Ang! Doctor Li from the Security Hall on the west bank of Yishui Bridge. The one who cured the Pasture Supervisory Office’s military horses at the beginning of the month."
Zheng Huisou slapped his thigh and said, "Yiming, you don’t know? The Governor Mansion just posted this year’s Academic Palace Patrol recommendation list! For the whole of Yizhou, there are only two individuals. One is the governor’s daughter, and the other is your classmate, Doctor Li."
"Wha-what?" Zhai Yiming’s eyes widened suddenly. "That’s impossible! I know Li Ang. He hardly ever speaks, and whether it’s poetry, scriptures, or strategies, he’s only considered above average in the State School..."
"How can you call him by his given name directly, Yiming?" Zheng Huisou frowned. "It’s normal that you don’t know. Every year, the Academic Palace Patrol travels incognito to State Mansions searching for potential candidates. They deliberately hide their identities, so even the local Governor Mansions don’t know who they are. This is to prevent powerful families and wealthy merchants from rushing to curry favor and causing trouble. Disciples recommended by the Academic Palace Patrol have more than a fifty percent higher chance of officially entering the Academic Palace compared to ordinary students. The last Academic Palace Disciple from Yizhou recommended to go to Chang’an was five or six years ago. We came this time hoping to forge a good relationship in advance... Yiming? Yiming?"